Overview & Reviews

Mitsubishi has built its brand in the United States with a selection of cars and SUVs that tend to offer above-average performance and style. The parent company has its roots in producing commercial vehicles for its home market of Japan.

A Japanese word meaning "three diamonds," Mitsubishi was founded in by Yataro Iwasaki, a descendant of samurais, in the early 1870s. The company's initial focus was on shipping, but it quickly diversified into areas such as mining and ship repair. In 1917, Mitsubishi unveiled the Model A, Japan's first series production passenger car.

It wasn't until 1960, with the launch of the compact Mitsubishi 500, that the company began producing passenger vehicles on a large scale. That decade also saw the launch of other Mitsubishi light passenger vehicles like the 360 Van and 360 Pickup. The company also distinguished itself on the racetrack during this decade, taking top honors in Japan's Grand Prix.

Mitsubishi's automobile production arm was officially spun off into a company of its own with the establishment of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in 1970. The company's Colt made its way to American shores in 1971, the same year in which Chrysler purchased a 15 percent stake in the new company. However, the Colt wasn't sold under the Mitsubishi name, but rather under the Dodge brand, reflecting Chrysler's interest in the company. By the end of the decade, Mitsubishi was producing more than 1 million cars per year.

In 1982, Mitsubishi began selling cars in the U.S. under its own name. Through the '80s it offered a variety of cars for the states, including the subcompact Mirage, turbocharged Starion sports car and midsize Galant sedan. Mitsubishi hit its stride in the '90s, thanks to the popularity of the Eclipse sport coupe and 3000GT sports car in the U.S. and the turbocharged Lancer Evolution in other parts of the world.

Chrysler made the most of its partnership, as it used Mitsubishi platforms under many of its models. The Eclipse, in particular, was a key vehicle produced by the Diamond Star Motors partnership. In 1998, Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz to become DaimlerChrysler. Mitsubishi's partnership continued with DaimlerChrysler for a few years but was financially terminated by 2003.

The new millennium has been a struggle for Mitsubishi. Its vehicles have grown stale with consumers and sales have wavered. At one point the company was forced to admit that it had systematically covered up vehicle defects in Japan. On the upside, though, the company's compact, high-performance sedan, the Lancer Evolution, has been a continuing success in the United States. Going forward, Mitsubishi plans to revitalize its brand by developing environmentally friendly vehicles (such as its all-electric "i" hatchback) that are still fun to drive.

User Reviews:

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  A Great Car for the Money - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ralph Wiggum - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. I have the O.Z. Racing Edition and it looks so great. The clutch and shifter are the best I have ever used. It is definiatly a great car for the money.

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  Just got it !!! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Ed - September 9 - 2:20 am

  I drove it in deep snow and ice in Buffalo N.Y. My Endeavor is quiet comfortable, peppy, handles the road great. It turns heads.

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  A good buy! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Lukea - September 6 - 2:00 am

  The Galant is safely one of the better midsize cars on the market. Despite the fact that it is not a top seller, the Mitsubishi image is very good and makes me proud to be a Galant owner. The car drives very smoothly and has alot of power. The quality is very similar to the Accord V6, so ill say its average for the price. The car is very roomy and gets many compliments.

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  About as good as it gets - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By EclipseGT01022 - September 5 - 10:16 am

  For performance, comfort and style, there is nothing that compares to the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT in its class. The two other cars that were considered (Acura RSX Type S, Ford Mustang V6), they were either slower or simply offed much less for what their asking price was. For $23,000 (base 6 speed Eclipse GT), you get WELL above average acceleration, gobs of low and mid-range torque, and super fuel economy (85% highway / 15% city nets my Eclipse @ 30MPG!, consistantly). Handling is very secure. The interior is simplistic, yet different with lots of character. Best of all, the quality is excellent inside. Long distance driving is second nature with its Recardo-style bucket seats. Buy it!

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  Must test drive!! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By zontar19 - September 4 - 2:50 pm

  I bought this car a few weeks ago and am loving it! It handles and looks like a much more expensive car. Everywhere i go i get looks and compliments. Its way faster than I expected for it only being a 4 banger! Im not getting as good of fuel mileage as im supposed to but apparently this car slowly gets better mileage as it breaks in, hope thats true.

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  The Best Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By NMorgan - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my 2004 Mitsu Lancer and I love it.

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  undisputed champ car - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By skyyfish - August 29 - 9:40 pm

  My wife and I are both in our early 30s. While Im on my 6th car. This is still her very 1st car. And its not because she doesnt have fun driving it! I am amazed by this car! The odometer now says 267,000 and its all original. just easy standard maintainance. It just blows my supposedly better vehicle choices away. Thank You Mitsu!

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  Great car, bad interior - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jaxx - August 27 - 10:00 am

  Had a lease on a 2001 Eclipse so I had to purchase another Mistu or take a big hit. Drove the Galant GTS a couple of times, great ride, acceleration, handleing, features, radio, and I also like the lcd screen. The ice blue lighting looks great at night. The car has a lot of room, I test drove a Grand Prix and the Galant is bigger or just feels like it. As you can tell I like the redesigned Galant and this is my third Mitsu. but the interior is bad, a lot of cheap materials. The sand grain rubber that covers the upper doors and dash is hard and not comfy. I sat in the Diamante, very nice inside why does Mitsu not use these materials in the Galant!!

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  real 4x4 - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Bob TN - August 25 - 9:30 pm

  Forget jeeps or land rovers, the Montero is better offroad than any car Ive ever been in. The 3.5L engine coupled with its five speed auto gets 0-60 in 7 to 8 seconds. I have never had one single issue with it in 95,000 miles. great truck, with ultra low axle ratio, my Montero can light up tires in 2wd but only hovers around 12 and 16 mpg

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  Love it! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By 256 LMT - August 25 - 7:36 pm

  I love my endeavor! It rides so smoothly. I got the belts changed as recommended and havent had any problems. It gets pretty good gas mileage for an SUV. Ive been very satisfied and would definitely recommend it.